President Donald Trump has called a high-stakes meeting of his top national security advisers for Monday to deliberate the United States' next moves regarding the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
Key Officials Gather for Oval Office Discussion
According to sources, the meeting is scheduled for 5pm on Monday in the Oval Office. The president has summoned a powerful contingent of officials to shape the strategy. Attendees will include Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her deputy, Stephen Miller, are also expected to be present for the discussions, which were first reported by CNN. The gathering underscores the administration's intensified focus on the South American nation.
Weekend Ultimatum Precedes Strategy Session
The urgent meeting follows a weekend where President Trump significantly increased pressure on Venezuela's socialist leader, Nicolas Maduro. Sources indicate the American president delivered a blunt ultimatum, urging Maduro to step down from power.
When questioned by reporters on Sunday about a recent call with the Venezuelan leader, Trump was cryptic, stating, "I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call." Neither government has provided official details of this conversation, which is understood to have occurred on November 21.
Reported Details of Trump's Message to Maduro
However, sources speaking to the Miami Herald revealed the call's stark content. The reports claim Trump told Maduro directly that his time was up, following a four-month US military campaign in the Caribbean targeting entities it labels 'narco-terrorists'.
The US president reportedly offered Maduro a stark choice. "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now," Trump is said to have told him. This offer of safe passage for Maduro's wife and son was reportedly conditional on him agreeing to resign immediately.
The Monday meeting will likely determine how the US proceeds following this direct confrontation, as the administration continues its campaign against Maduro's regime.
